Padawan

Gr 7 Up--With Obi-Wan Kenobi taking over Disney+, this novel features some never before seen backstory for young Obi-Wan and the beginnings of his relationship with Master Qui-Gon Jinn. Obi-Wan sets off alone to a mysterious planet and finds a feral group of teen Force-users, while Qui-Gon struggles to find out what is wrong with the Force on this planet. Obi-Wan wrestles with the question of whether he should be a Jedi at all. Ultimately, this is a coming-of-age story about finding yourself and where you belong. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are both white and the only main human characters. VERDICT With Obi-Wan a cornerstone of the "Star Wars" franchise with a recent blockbuster show, this title is recommended for general purchase.

In a moment of impulsive rebellion, Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi embarks on an unsupervised mission to a remote planet to prove himself and chase his destiny. Sixteen-year-old Obi-Wan, newly risen to the rank of Padawan, couldn't be more different from his master, Qui-Gon Jinn. All Qui-Gon wants to do is meditate at the Jedi Temple. The harder Obi-Wan tries to follow his Master's guidance, the more distant he feels from his purpose and the Force. He uncovers the opportunity of a real mission tracking down a forgotten planet and finally convinces Qui-Gon to investigate, but Obi-Wan's Master never shows up for their planned departure. Driven by frustration and desperation, Obi-Wan steals the ship and sets out on his own. While the story may take place in a galaxy far, far away, Obi-Wan's grappling with anxiety and belonging hit close to home. The band of young people he finds surviving on an apparently hostile planet challenge his original vision of playing their savior. Explorations of romantic feelings and sexuality emerge casually, as does the relationship between two nonhuman characters, Zae-Brii (who uses they/them pronouns) and Audj (who uses she/her). An unfolding mystery and present physical danger rev the story's momentum through suspense. Obi-Wan, the only central human character, presents as White. This glimpse into the young life of a significant Star Wars character stands alone. An absorbing adventure with an emphasis on self-discovery. (Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.